Colours and scents of the Luberon trails

Colours and scents of the Luberon trails

The paths of the Luberon reveal untamed hills and hidden canyons, hilltop villages, cultivated fields of olive groves, cherry orchards and vineyards, as well as colourful Provençal markets. The Luberon harbours prestigious villages, among the most beautiful in France: Isle sur la Sorgue, Gordes, Bonnieux… all with their typical Provençal charm and flair. This trip combines the best of what Provence has to offer: scenery worthy of endless postcards, a rich history and culture, great Mediterranean food, stunning walking paths.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The quaysides of Isle sur la Sorgue

4 dinners in selected restaurants

3 delicious picnics

The lavender fields in front of Sénanque Abbey

Walking along dry stone walls and the "Plague wall"

The hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Gordes, Goult, Lacoste and Bonnieux

Day 1

By the clear waters of the Sorgue

Isle sur la Sorgue

Your walking tour begins in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: a veritable island of a village, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue river, its canals bordered by quaint cafés, restaurants, and antique shops. The town’s Sunday market is among the most colourful in Provence. Lose yourself among the labyrinth of narrow streets and in the town’s warm Provençal charm. Dinner in town included and night in Isle sur la sorgue.

Day 2

Distance :

13 km

Elevation :

+ 450m
- 200m

Mysterious springs and plage wall

Fontaine de Vaucluse > Gordes (4h30 - 8 miles)

Picnic included

A short transfer takes to Fontaine de Vaucluse and its mysterious spring : no one or machine has been able to gauge its depths. Following a 300 year-old wall built to ward off the plague – which entered Marseille in 1720 – you walk along paths carved into the bush and cedar forests to Gordes. Dinner included and night in Gordes.

Small market on Tuesday morning in Gordes

Day 3

Distance :

10 km

Elevation :

+ 250m
- 250m

Lavender fields and l'Abbaye de Sénanque

Gordes > Senanque > Gordes (3h20 - 6.2 miles)

Picnic included

Gordes is perched high above the Calavon valley, its majestic stone homes rising dramatically in concentric circles to its castle, crowning the village. Atop a vast plateau, you cross through lavender and thyme-laden fields dotted with old stone huts, on your way to Sénanque Abbey - a jewel of 12th century Romanesque architecture - You will have time to explore the abbey before returning to Gordes via a cobbled path. Dinner included and night in Gordes.

Small market on Tuesday morning in Gordes

Day 4

Distance :

12 km

Elevation :

+ 100m
- 250m

The timeless and unknown village of Goult

Gordes > Goult (3h45 - 7.5 miles)

Picnic included

Leaving Gordes, you walk through the thyme and rosemary scented hills, passing isolated farms, before reaching the hamlet of Saint-Pantaléon. You then continue towards the perched village of Goult, timeless and unassuming, authentic and unvisited by traditional walking tours, its medieval homes packed around the ruins of its castle. From Goult you descend the ridgeline, though former terrace walls, and into the Calavon valley, to find your hotel hidden in the countryside. Dinner in the village and night in Goult.

Small market on Thursday morning in Goult from June > Sept

Day 5

Distance :

11 km

Elevation :

+ 320M
- 250M

Bories and magnificent perched villages

Goult > Lacoste > Bonnieux (3h30 - 6.8miles)

You walk among the ruins old stone farmhouses to the village of Lacoste, crowned by the imposing ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Your walk continues to Bonnieux, another gem of the Luberon, one of the centre-stage villages in Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence . Visit its beautiful town squares and the old cobbled steps leading to its 12th century church. Transfer at the end of your walk to Goult. Dinner on your own and night in Goult.

Hotel Terrasses by David

In town, set on the banks of the Sorgue River. 8 lovely rooms, some of which overlook the clear green waters, the hotel boasts a simple yet refined setting.On the terrace, at the water’s edge, you can savour traditional Provençal cuisine.

BB Les Balcons du Luberon - Gordes

This recently refurbished 18th century Provence farmhouse - 5mn from the centre of the village of Gordes - features 5 elegant rooms, a pool & garden from where you'll discover breathtaking views of the plains, the surrounding villages, the castle and the unique dried-stone houses of the region.

BB La Prevote - Isle

In the heart of the antiques capital, Severine hosts you in a 17th century convent restored with taste, set atop the flow of the Sorgue river, with 5 warm & refined rooms.

Jean-Marie proposes his gastronomic cuisine in the former church and its charming courtyard, combining local and Mediterranean products in the purest Provençal tradition.

BB La Borie

Set just 800m from the heart of the village of Gordes (8mn walk), and including a 500 year old dry-stone hut – or “borie” – which now houses the kitchen.The 4 quaint rooms are set in a modern addition to the guest house.

Swimming pool and beautiful views of the Luberon mountains. Christine makes you feel like at home!

2 nights minimum

BB La Treille - Goult

In the heart if the village of Goult, Michel & Danielle welcome you in La Treille BB. You will enjoy their warm welcome, the home-made jams for breakfast, and the patio in the backyards to relax.

BB Le Clos Violette - Isle

A truly unique place right in the center of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.Le Clos Violette is a prestige guesthouse, featuring 5 spacious Suites and a heated indoor pool, set in a 17th century mansion, entirely renovated and beautifully decorated with refined antique furniture.

You will feel at home hosted by the truly friendly Réjane & Richard, with a welcome drink upon arrival in the library or in the shade of the garden’s 100-year old lime tree

Mas de la Beaume Suite - Gordes

A short walk from the centre of the prestigious village of Gordes, Wendy welcomes you at this very charming BB : a restored stone farmhouse, set in an idyllic garden of olive and cypress trees.

The suite is finely decorated with linen curtains, flowers strung from the old wood beams, and old furniture .. with a terrasse !

Jacuzzi and swimming pool.

2 nights minimum

BB La Canove - Goult

At the entrance of the village of Goult, Chantal welcomes you in her magnificient 17th century farmhouse featuring four very nicely decorated guest rooms. You’ll be charmed by the authentic dried stone walls and the beautiful view.

Relax by the pool set in a calm and wooded environment, surrounded by lavender and rosemary scents.

Morning : choice of 2 self-guided loop walks in the vineyards of Chateauneuf - with a road-book - passing along the way the wine estates of: Vaudieu, Nalys, Solitude, Chateau Mont Redon

1pm: gourmet lunch at the famous restaurant "La Mère Germaine"

Afternoon with a wine expert for 3 hours (non private)* Walk into the vineyards with explanation about the grapes* Private visit to a family run winery : explanation of the vinification and barrel wine tasting* Private visit to a Château (one of the most famous and oldest cellars in the area) + wine tasting* if time permits, chocolate and wine tasting

TRIP rates

The rates are per person, on a 2 pers. minimum reservation basis ( shared room), and subject to availability

INCLUDED

5 nights double occupancy with private facilities

5 breakfasts

4 dinners

3 picnics

Day 2: transfer from Isle to the beginning of your walk

Day 4: bag transfer from Gordes to Goult

Day 5: transfer from the end of your walk to Goult

Day 6: transfer to Isle sur la Sorgue

Luggage transfers from day 2 > 6

Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps

1 road map of the region

NOT INCLUDED

All lunches & dinners not noted-included in your itinerary

Entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks

Items of personal nature

PLEASE NOTE : Alternative accommodation

If the accommodation in Goult is not available:* It can be replaced by Bonnieux, a lovely perched village, with a supplement according to the availability* Walk 4 will be in the Cedar forest - instead of the Gordes > Goult walk - (12 km, 7.4 miles, 3h30, +400m / -400m)

Path Restrictions

Important : From June 1st to September 15thAccess may be restricted in the Luberon mountains if the risk of forest fire is high. There is a risk that the paths may be closed as of noon on any given day or in exceptional circumstances the paths may be closed altogether. Information is available from 6:00pm for the following day from the local prefecture by telephone (automated message).